Grenache 2020 – Black Market Deal #45710

This Grenache represents a significant step up in complexity and craftsmanship, featuring partial whole bunch fermentation that adds structural elegance and spice complexity. The winemaking technique creates a 'thin vein of tension' throughout the wine, elevating it from casual drinking to special occasion status. With outstanding aromatics and an expansive, evolving palate, it's designed for contemplative drinking and long-term cellaring rather than immediate consumption.

Old vine Grenache from the Barossa Valley produces fruit with exceptional concentration and complexity due to the vines' deep root systems and naturally low yields. These mature vines, often 50-100+ years old, create wines with greater depth of flavour and structural integrity. The combination of Barossa's warm climate and ancient vines results in the full-bodied, voluptuous character while maintaining the elegant pepper and spice notes that define quality Grenache.

Partial whole bunch fermentation involves including some grape stems during fermentation, which adds structural tannins, spice complexity, and aromatic lift to the wine. This technique enhances the natural pepper and cinnamon characteristics while providing a more elegant, refined texture. It's particularly effective with Grenache as it adds backbone to what can sometimes be a soft variety, creating the 'tension' that makes this wine so compelling and age-worthy.

A 97-point rating places this Grenache in the top tier of Australian examples, competing with the finest expressions from McLaren Vale, Barossa, and international regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Such high scores from multiple critics (including 96 points from Ned Goodwin MW) indicate exceptional winemaking and fruit quality. This level of recognition suggests the wine will develop beautifully over 10-15 years, making it both an immediate pleasure and a serious cellar investment.

While drinking beautifully now with its expansive, voluptuous character, this Grenache is built for 'very long innings' as described. Premium Barossa Grenache typically peaks between 8-15 years, so expect optimal drinking from 2028-2035. The wine's structural tension and old vine concentration provide the backbone for extended ageing, during which the pepper and spice notes will integrate further while developing secondary flavours of leather, earth, and dried herbs.